Monday, March 2: Cup competitions reached their critical stages across the weekend as the Irish Hockey Trophy finalists and Irish Junior Cup semi-finalists were confirmed, with three of the four reigning champions progressing to the next stage.
In the Women’s Irish Hockey Trophy, two tense semi-finals required shootouts to determine who would have a shot at the silverware. Trinity Ladies’ Iona O’Sullivan scored in quarter three to level the scoring after Muckross had taken the lead just before half-time, with Trinity goalkeeper Catherine Green making crucial saves to secure her side’s place in the final. In Newpark, a late Molly Cole goal gave Avoca a lifeline, having fought a resilient Kilkenny side. The reigning champions won yet another shootout to progress and keep their hopes of retaining their Irish Hockey Trophy title alive.
In the Men’s Irish Hockey Trophy, Portadown soared to a comprehensive 5–1 win over Ulster rivals Kilkeel. They line up a final against champions Portrane, who produced a faultless performance on the road against Bangor, winning 5–0 on the day.
In the Women’s Irish Junior Cup quarter-finals, first-quarter goals helped Railway Union and Muckross edged past Catholic Institute and Loreto, respectively. Pegasus put on a show at home to progress, scoring four unanswered goals in a provincial derby against Portadown. Old Alex came from a goal behind to beat Belfast Harlequins 3–1 at Alexandra College.
In the Men’s Irish Junior Cup, Three Rock Rovers fought their way back from two goals down to record a 4–3 win over Pembroke Wanderers to remain in the fight to retain their title. Monkstown fended off a Cookstown fightback in Camlin Park to progress. Corinthian pulled off a strong 4–2 win at home to North Down to take another step closer to a coveted final place. Lisnagarvey overcame a resolute Avoca side in Newpark to return home with a 3–1 win, making them the last remaining side from outside Leinster in the competition.
The Irish Hockey Trophy Finals will take place on Sunday, March 29, with the venue yet to be confirmed, while the Irish Junior Cup semi-final phase will take place on Saturday, March 22.
Weekend Results
Saturday, February 28
Irish Hockey Trophy Semi Finals – Women
Avoca 1 [4 – 2] 1 Kilkenny
Muckross 1 [1 – 3] 1 Trinity Ladies’
Irish Hockey Trophy – Men
Portadown 5 – 1 Kilkeel
Bangor 0 – 5 Portrane
Irish Junior Cup Quarter Finals – Women
Muckross 1 – 0 Loreto
Catholic Institute 0 – 1 Railway Union
Old Alex 3 – 1 Belfast Harlequins
Pegasus 4 – 0 Portadown
Irish Junior Cup Quarter Finals – Men
Cookstown 1 – 2 Monkstown
Avoca 1 – 3 Lisnagarvey
Three Rock Rovers 4 – 3 Pembroke Wanderers
Corinthian 4 – 2 North Down